Rooting for Roots

What was once considered criminal in the hair industry has now become cool. Roots -- the natural-colored hair that grows from the scalp and indicates how long it's been since someone's last color job -- no longer warrant catty whispers. In fact, many women now schedule hair appointments to make sure their roots get maximum exposure.

"To get that root look the ends need to be at least an inch to an inch-and-a-half long," said Staci Reza, salon director at Globe Salon. She and Globe stylist Megan Watham estimate two to five clients request prominent roots each week.

At Globe Salon, the trend started about nine months ago with just a handful of the more fashion-forward clients warming up to it. In recent months, however, the look started to catch on. Reza says it's right on the verge of gaining "mainstream" status.

To clarify, the look isn't quite the same one a dark-haired-turned-blonde woman would find herself sporting if she grew her hair out. "It's not like back in the day when Madonna had black roots and bleach blonde hair," Reza said. "That was hideous."

Rather, the contrast whispers, it doesn't scream. And stylists still color the roots, just not at the same level as the rest of the hair shaft. To accomplish just the right tone, Tonic II Salon stylist Gina Ferraro uses a feathering technique. "I use a brush to put the color on so you don't get that line," she said. It makes for a blended transition instead of an obvious, blunt one.

Ferraro, who herself rocks roots, cites Gisele Bundchen, Sienna Miller, Sarah Jessica Parker and Drew Barrymore as jumpstarting the trend, but each wears the style their own way. Some take the root longer and darker, others prefer a shorter, more subtle root. "Everybody can do it," Ferraro said. "People think it's just for blonds but (brunettes) can do it, too. It's not as dramatic, but it's definitely as beautiful."

Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.